Muslims give back for Ramadan

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- For Muslim Americans, the holy month of Ramadan is not only a time to celebrate, pray and fast, but also a time to give to charity.

This year, Muslim Americans have ramped up donations and volunteerism in local anti-poverty programs during Ramadan, which concludes this weekend with the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Donations to international relief organizations also continue, with much of the support aimed at helping Syrian and Burmese refugees who have fled areas of upheaval and fighting.

Charity is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and, according to teachings, reaps even greater spiritual rewards when done during Ramadan.

"By giving charity during Ramadan, the reward increases multifold," said Imam Hafiz Saeed Qureshi, spiritual leader of Dar-ul-Islah Islamic Center in Teaneck, N.J., adding that rewards can come in the form of protection and blessings.

The mosque has hosted speakers during Ramadan from charities such as Helping Hand and Islamic Relief USA. These representatives talked about efforts to help various groups, including Syrians who have fled fighting between the government and pro-reform rebels and a Muslim minority in Myanmar known as the Rohingya that has been the target of ethnic violence.

"Any time there is an emergency in the news, irrespective of where the person comes from, they come together in support," said Azhar Azeez, national director of Islamic Relief USA.

Islamic Relief USA raised $2 million during Ramadan last year in its northeast region based in Totowa, N.J.

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-- about half of what was raised in the region during the entire year.

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